JETcopter to test new propulsion system

JETcopter has begun testing a new propulsion system for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, the company announced on 5 September.

The new propulsion system consists of two centrifugal air turbines in enclosed housings, each 200cm (6.6ft) in diameter that will rotate in opposite directions at high revolutions per minute (RPM) to create thrust similar to 11m (36ft) diameter helicopters rotors. The airflow from the turbines will be diverted by air ducts to four endpoints that could be vectored in any direction.

This layout will enable the enclosed rotors housing area to create a lifting force and unload rotors in horizontal flights like airplane wings. The company believe that the compact enclosed rotors propulsion system will be safer for flight in urban areas and the increased airflow speed could improve performance characteristics of next-generation VTOL aircraft.

JETcopter will start tests on a mobile platform shortly to measure generated airflow parameters, like speed, volume and sound at various RPM, and to test airflow vectoring possibilities.

This new propulsion system with automatic levelling control, instead of manual mechanical control, could make piloting VTOL aircraft easier and simpler compared to helicopters.